Featured Project

Iconic and Rare Bridge Connects Communities

The historic Rainbow Arch Bridge in Valley City, ND was built in 1925 per a design patented by James Marsh (1856-1936). In 1997, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique patented design. Over time, the structural condition deteriorated and the size, weight and volume of modern traffic exceeded the capacity of the 24-foot roadway through the bridge.

PROJECT
In 1997, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique patented design. In 2004, KLJ was hired by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) to conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA)/Section 4(f) Evaluation to determine whether to rehabilitate or replace the historic Rainbow Arch Bridge, spanning the Sheyenne River. The EA studies several alternatives including: rehabilitation of the existing bridge for one-way traffic with a new bridge adjacent, replacement with a conventional bridge, and replacement with a new bridge following the original design. After an extensive public involvement process, the NDDOT selected the public’s preferred alternative: In-Kind Replacement with a new Marsh Arch bridge in accordance with current standards.

SOLUTION
KLJ provided final design and construction engineering for the project which presented many unique design challenges, including:

Functioning reinforced concrete through arch design. The arches are largely reinforced with structural steel trusses designed as self-supporting during construction – no falsework in the channel was required to build the arches.

Lighting design for this project included duplicating historic fixtures from the original design onto the new bridge. To better illuminate the roadway between the arches, an additional fixture was hidden on the structure to ensure safety and preserve the historic integrity of the bridge. As part of reconstructing the approaches to the bridge, several existing light fixtures were relocated or eliminated to provide a more efficient lighting pattern.

Other services include hydraulic analysis, environmental documentation, public involvement, and construction engineering. Additionally, as part of the mitigation for removal of the existing structure, KLJ prepared the Historic American Engineering Record document, preserving the original bridge in writing and photographs for future generations.

RESULTS

A new, wider Marsh Arch bridge was constructed. The new bridge was designed in strict conformance with the original Marsh Arch patent and received numerous awards including the ND Ready Mix Association Excellence in Concrete, ND ACEC Excellence in Engineering and ND APWA Public Works Project of the Year–Large Communities. KLJ also prepared and presented a paper on the project at the International Bridge Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.